Leasing for a foreign-owned company in Poland
Nationality is not an obstacle in itself. Leasing companies look at your Polish business, the legal basis of your stay and how long the contract will run.
Updated:
- Your inquiry goes to no more than 3 firms from a public partner list
- Free of charge and with no obligation to sign
- Businesses only: companies, sole traders and farmers
Short answer
A Polish company owned by foreign shareholders (for example a sp. z o.o.) is assessed like any other Polish company: on its financial statements, time in business and payment history. A foreign national running a sole trader business in Poland can also lease vehicles and machinery; in addition, the leasing company checks identity and whether the residence permit is valid for the planned term. A company with no Polish entity or branch should ask leasing companies directly, as their requirements are individual.
Legal form
Which business form fits
- Polish company with foreign capital A sp. z o.o. or another commercial company registered in the National Court Register (KRS). The contract is signed by the management board as shown in the KRS.
- Sole trader (JDG) run by a foreigner Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland run a business on the same terms as Poles. Other nationals may do so with a specified residence status, e.g. a permanent residence permit.
- Foreign company without a Polish entity Leasing companies usually finance businesses with a Polish NIP. A branch or a Polish subsidiary makes the assessment much easier.
The full list of residence titles allowing a sole trader business is set out in the Act on the participation of foreign entrepreneurs, and the rules for some groups (e.g. Ukrainian citizens) have changed several times - check the current position before you register.
Assessment
What leasing companies check
On top of the usual financial assessment, the leasing company (the lessor) verifies:
- identity - passport or residence card, PESEL number for individuals,
- the legal basis of stay and its validity - a permit ending before the contract does is a risk the lessor may offset with a shorter term, a higher down payment or a guarantee,
- history in Poland - how long the business has operated, a Polish bank account, tax and social security settlements,
- the beneficial owner and source of funds - a requirement of the anti-money laundering rules; Polish companies must report their beneficial owners to the Central Register of Beneficial Owners (CRBR).
A company with no credit history in Poland is treated much like a new business: the assessment relies more on the asset, the down payment and financial documents. Group guarantees or a letter of comfort from the parent company may help - ask the leasing company whether it accepts them.
Contract
Contract, language and tax
Leasing contracts and general terms are usually in Polish. Some leasing companies provide translations; if your Polish is not good enough to understand every clause, use a translator, as you are signing a commitment for several years. Since 13 July 2025 a leasing contract may be concluded in documentary form, e.g. by exchanging signed documents by e-mail.
Tax and VAT follow the same rules as for any business in Poland and depend on the form of taxation - see the summary of VAT and income tax on leasing. The differences between operating and finance lease are explained in how leasing works.
Inquiry
What to include in your inquiry
- Company details NIP, KRS or CEIDG entry, date business started, shareholders.
- Residence documents For a sole trader: type of permit and its expiry date.
- Financials Financial statements or tax returns, statements from the business bank account.
- The asset Supplier's offer with the net price, expected down payment and term.
You can send it in English using the leasing inquiry form. We pass it to up to three leasing companies or brokers from our partner list, who contact you directly.
Read more
See also
Machinery leasing
Leasing machinery and equipment in Poland: new and used machines, operating hours and valuation, seasonal instalments, tax and what to send in an inquiry.Car leasing limits 2026
From 2026, passenger car leasing instalments are tax-deductible only up to PLN 100,000, 150,000 or 225,000, depending on CO2 emissions. How the ratio works.VAT and tax on leasing
How leasing is taxed in Poland in 2026: operating vs finance lease, VAT on instalments, 50% or 100% VAT on cars, VAT-26, car cost limits and KSeF e-invoices.Leasing market in Poland
Leasing market in Poland in figures: PLN 119.5 bn financed in 2025 and PLN 92.9 bn in the first three quarters of 2026, by segment, according to ZPL data.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will a temporary residence permit be enough?
It may be, if you run the business legally. The leasing company will compare the permit's expiry date with the contract term and may propose a shorter term or additional security.
Does income earned abroad help?
It may, if documented, but leasing companies rely mainly on the results of the business operating in Poland. If your revenue is in euro, ask about leasing in EUR.
Can I take a leased car abroad?
Usually yes, but some contracts require the lessor's consent for certain countries or longer trips. Check the general terms before you travel.